Sportsman racing is a paradox. The class structure was created to allow many different vehicles to enter and be competitive. Money and hard work by some screwed up the system over time, so the index classes were created. Must have worked because they contain the majority of the entrants at an event.
Then many would enter a national event just to get tickets and a good parking spot. To be honest this happened with all classes including TF and FC. So NHRA started the requirement that you must tech in to receive your tickets. This didn't stop the racers that had been doing this, so they started the grade point system to try and be fair to the entrants that were serious about the sport at multiple venues, and not just interested in their local national event tickets and good parking.
To make the index classes appealing to the masses of spectators, all electronics will be banned. The electronics drag racing industry has done a good job of lobbying NHRA to keep electronics involved. The electronics are the reason for the index class schedules and the reason why the spectators flee the stands when the index classes run. When the index racers want respect they will ban all electronics, it is really that simple.
Bringing recognizable personalities into the drag racing venue has always been good for the sport. It starts with one, and if he/she enjoys themselves, they will bring others. If current participants want to work to make their name recognizable, then they will be afforded more advantages.
Instead of whining, why not make the classes more appealing to spectators, make the participants more well known to the general public by doing the hard PR legwork that is required, and enjoy the benefits you create for your group.
